Does your butt hurt during periods? Find out why

Have you found yourself wondering why your butt hurts every time your periods arrive? Most of us think it to be a coincidence, but guess what? That’s not true at all. It really can be a pain in the butt, literally! But why does it happen? That’s because it is associated with cramping, aching, and discomfort that is associated with periods. This is when you are bleeding during your menstrual cycle. 

But before we get down to the other details, it is essential for you to understand what your butt is composed of. 

What makes your butt?

Most of you might be unaware, but your butt is made up of large muscles that are located below the hips and above the thighs. There are three butt muscles: the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus. It is with the help of these muscles that you can do everything from exercising to climbing a staircase to even walking or running. 

But at times, the pain emanates from another section of your butt, namely the anus and rectum. 

What are the causes of period butt pain?

1. Muscle tension: We are acquainted with period symptoms like cramps, bloating and the like, but did you know that these can put pressure on your gluteal muscles too? When there’s excess tension in that area, you are most likely to experience pain in the lower back, pelvis and butt. You might also feel like you need to pee!

Moreover, it is also believed that butt pain is more common during periods, if your period tilts toward your back. 

2. Endometriosis: If you have severe pain in your butt, it could also be a sign of endometriosis. This condition happens when the endometrial lining begins to grow on other organs outside the uterus.

3. Fibroids: There could be another reason why your butt muscles ache during your period. This can point towards an enlarged uterus due to fibroids. These are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can develop during a person’s childbearing years.

4. Anal issues: Butt pain can also be due to anal issues, which can intensify during your periods. Endometriosis can also cause pain in the bowels, and trigger other symptoms like painful pooping, constipation, diarrhea and even bloating.

Period butt pain treatments

If the pain is due to muscle tension, take a bath, massage your body and relax. You could also take a pain-relieving drug. In case you suffer from endometriosis, you may have to go through hormonal treatment and practise self-care strategies. 

If it’s fibroids, you could use certain medications to reduce the pain and other symptoms. In certain cases, surgical options like myomectomy and hysterectomy are essential.